Banking News

The prospect of record low savings rates continuing is forcing many savers to review how they allocate their capital in an attempt to achieve the level of returns they have previously enjoyed. Investing in the stock market inevitably involves putting your capital at risk however there is a middle ground which continues to attract increasing interest – the structured deposit. With this in mind, we take a deeper look at this savings alternative to help understand why more and more savers are starting to see their appeal. more

With the current economic environment asking savers far more questions than it gives answers, it is good to know that there are alternatives available. We take a look at one such alternative that is proving particularly popular as savers face the harsh reality that the more traditional fixed rate savings products are failing to meet their needs. more

Millions of savers are facing the harsh realisty that there is little hope of change to interest and savings rates in the coming years. However, those with Cash ISAs do have one further option to consider – the ISA transfer. We take a closer look at why this is becoming a rising trend as well as what this could mean for those looking for the potential to improve the returns from their capital. more

With so many savers joining income investors in the hunt for high yields, being able to quickly understand and compare the numerous options available has become even more important. We therefore compare two of our most popular income investments to help understand what is driving their popularity and why they might meet your income needs. more

Nothing says 'Merry Christmas' quite like a camel

11 December 2008 / by Rachael Stiles

Camels make the best gift when it comes to charity Christmas presents, according to the independent charities watchdog Intelligent Giving, beating past favourites such as goats and chickens.

Goats are 'so last year', Intelligent Giving found, when it evaluated the gifts available from 200 charity websites by how much interest they generate and how useful the gifts seem for the individuals who will receive them.

In the search for inventive presents at Christmas, many people opt to buy a charity gift on behalf of a relative or friend for people who are in need, in place of another pack of socks, and it is becoming increasingly popular.

A camel, the website found, came out as the winner in its Top 10 list of charity gifts, because "you can ride them, milk them, and even use their dung for fertilizer."

Other front-runners included fish cages to help people living in Bangladeshi flood areas to breed fish to help feed their families, the Collect and Destroy a Weapon Fund which contributed to clearing armaments from recent war zones, pineapple plants, the fruits of which provide families with important nutrients, and school uniforms for pupils in developing countries.

Buying charity gifts has become increasingly popular and easy to do thanks to the internet, where ethically-minded consumers or those who are simply looking for something a bit different can buy things which can help change people's lives, not just camels but also school packs for children, chickens, and goats.

And for shoppers who really want to maximize the ethical element of their festive season, they can buy their Christmas shopping with a charity credit card and donate money to one of their favourite charities while they spend.